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WO2023200845A1 - Systèmes, appareils et procédés de traitement de bruxisme, d'apnée et de troubles du sommeil - Google Patents

Systèmes, appareils et procédés de traitement de bruxisme, d'apnée et de troubles du sommeil Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023200845A1
WO2023200845A1 PCT/US2023/018294 US2023018294W WO2023200845A1 WO 2023200845 A1 WO2023200845 A1 WO 2023200845A1 US 2023018294 W US2023018294 W US 2023018294W WO 2023200845 A1 WO2023200845 A1 WO 2023200845A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
enclosure
snoring
bruxism
signal
treatment
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Ceased
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PCT/US2023/018294
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English (en)
Inventor
Scott Steffensmeier
Jason F. Detweiler
Randy CLARE
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Hawkeye Group LLC
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Hawkeye Group LLC
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hawkeye Group LLC filed Critical Hawkeye Group LLC
Publication of WO2023200845A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023200845A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices ; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/56—Devices for preventing snoring
    • A61F5/566—Intra-oral devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices ; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/56—Devices for preventing snoring
    • A61F2005/563—Anti-bruxisme

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a systems, apparatuses, and methods useful for treatment of bruxism, apnea and sleep disorders and related symptoms such as facial pain, tension headache, snoring and daytime sleepiness.
  • Snoring and sleep apnea are two such disorders, typically caused by narrowing of an individual's airway because of the relaxation of the muscles and ligaments in the oropharynx during all stages of sleep but particularly during REM.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially lethal disorder in which breathing ceases during sleep due to complete airway collapse.
  • Snoring is the sound of a partially obstructed airway; air flow comes through a narrow space creating turbulence resulting in vibration of the oral tissues as a sleeping person breathes.
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) supporting the tissues of the oropharynx causing the air passage to remain open.
  • a user would wear such a device at night to fix the mandible in an anterior, protruded (i.e., forward) position.
  • Such dental appliances essentially consist of acrylic or elastomeric bite blocks, similar to orthodontic retainers or athletic mouth guards, which are custom-fitted to the user's upper and lower teeth, and which may be adjusted to vary the degree of anterior protrusion or simply increasing the occlusal space to allow room for the tongue to posture forward during sleep. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,901 ,737.
  • bruxism a parasomnia which has been defined by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as the repetitive jaw muscle activity characterized by the clenching or grinding of teeth and/or bracing or thrusting of the mandible (International C assification ofS/eep Disorders, 3rd ed. Westchester, Darien, Illinois: American Academy of Sleep Medicine; 2014. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Sleep related bruxism.).
  • Bruxism is most often defined by when it occurs. “Awake” bruxism is mainly the clenching of the teeth; “sleep” bruxism is typically much more aggressive and affects the muscles and ligaments of the airway as well as the dentition. Accordingly, many individuals suffering from sleep apnea and snoring disorders are not able, or unwilling, to tolerate existing antisnoring dental appliances for long periods of time because the appliances break down or the patient finds the appliance too restrictive.
  • Biofeedback is a process which uses instruments to provide information about an activity which allows a user to change his/her behavior relative to that activity.
  • Bruxism being a reflexive chewing activity, such as teeth clenching, grinding, bracing and thrusting of the mandible, when conscious attention is distracted, such as during sleeping, subconscious processes can run unchecked, allowing bruxism to occur.
  • Apnea and snoring are likewise unconscious activities which may be positively influenced by use of biofeedback.
  • the present invention provides, but is not limited to, systems, apparatuses, and methods capable of use to treat bruxism, apnea, sleep disorders, and related symptoms.
  • the present disclosure relates to development of a centralized “chassis system” as the foundation for treatment of one or most preferably all of apnea, snoring and bruxism. Further advantages can include treatment for related symptoms such as facial pain, tension headache, and daytime sleepiness.
  • the chassis is the outer form of the unit, or shell, having an interior including operational material of the device. The unit is enclosed or encapsulated, and liquid proof against fluid incursion to the interior, as it is intended to be emplaced in a person’s mouth.
  • alterations of the electronics/sensors inside each unit allow for easy modifications and can accommodate technological improvements, while benefiting from the unique and comfortable design. While the chassis system may be considered one of the better embodiments, it will be understood that aspects of the invention can be presented in singular or various mixed embodiments. Embodiments may include the following features:
  • Diagnostic Device this would be a product to answer the question, “Do I brux?”. It helps to determine or guide a person if clenching their teeth. A user would wear this device and sensors could measure and record information. Perhaps meaningful information is focused around the # of clenches, magnitude of clenches (force), intensity, frequency, etc. The intent is for this form of the disclosure to then guide the user to a solution, most preferably within this same chassis adapted for other issues beyond solely bruxism.
  • Chassis Puck - this would be the preferred core device, inclusive of electronic circuitry, that provides biofeedback through vibration, such as to reduce jaw tensioning.
  • the fundamental principle of biofeedback causes the subject to
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) minimize the number and magnitude of clenches subconsciously, thus resolving the subsequent issues attributed to bruxism (headaches, tooth damage, TMJ issues, stress, etc.).
  • Smart Puck - this would be the core device (of #2 above) with the addition of bluetooth communication to facilitate an output to an apparatus, smartphone or the like, which would be able to count, trend, and confirm frequency and duration of a consumer’s jaw tensioning habits.
  • Rechargeable Puck this would be the core Chassis Puck device or Smart Puck device (of #2, #3 above) with the substitution of rechargeable batteries and external facing contacts or other electrical interface, to allow for, e.g., nightly charging. This would likely be most useful when paired with bluetooth functionality or heavy (extended) users, due to the larger battery drain in those cases.
  • Anti-Snoring Device in this form, utilization of the Puck would monitor outputs related to snoring and then provide biofeedback based upon the conditional outputs to assist with the reduction of snoring.
  • the devices when combined with bluetooth capability, could also pair with additional external devices to aid in the reduction of snoring, such as bed or pillow inflation, bed position adjustment via electric motor, alarms, etc.
  • the Puck may contain an array of health sensors including hydration sensor, Pulse Oximeter and loT software interface with any smart device.
  • Software calculations include hydration index, SPO2, pulse rate, pulse rate variability, respiration rate, Pleth variability index, perfusion index, pedometer, body position and actigraphy.
  • the present disclosure relates to devices that aid a user in ceasing or at least ameliorating bruxism, or apnea, or snoring, by using a unit that is held in the mouth, as between a cheek and jaw.
  • the unit is fully enclosed against fluid incursion, with all of its electronics contained within the so- called chassis.
  • the unit referred to generally as a “Puck” herein, due to its overall design look in one form, may be placed between a user's teeth and adjacent cheek (oral vestibule), such as while the user is sleeping or awake.
  • a flange or the like extends from a lateral side of the unit, so as to fit between upper and lower teeth and locate the unit in place.
  • the devices include a circuit that, when completed, such as by the user clenching his/her teeth, causes a mild vibration mechanism to activate and cause a sensation which signals the user to stop clenching his/her teeth. It is most preferred that this mild vibration is such that, if the user is sleeping, it does not fully awaken the user, but is of a sufficient quality as to mildly startle the user and break whatever condition has set off the unit.
  • the vibration may also commence with a light vibration and gradually increase the strength and/or length of the vibration if clenching does not cease. Preferably, these are adjustments that can be made by the user.
  • the invention offers a unique set of advantages to treating bruxism, apnea and snoring.
  • “treating” means attempting to address one or more of these issues in a manner to at least reduce if not completely eliminate the condition, as in therapy for the same.
  • the device employs a benign and inconspicuous biofeedback response to clenching. This biofeedback signal can also be triggered
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) by an associated device for detecting sleep apnea.
  • One such would be a pulse oximeter worn by the user, which measures both pulse rate and blood oxygen concentration.
  • the oxygen level falls, as the person has ceased or at least interrupted breathing. If the blood oxygen dips below a threshold, a signal is generated which is received wirelessly by the unit. The vibratory mechanism then awakens the patient slightly changing their sleep stage, resolving the OSA event.
  • an acoustic device is associated with the unit in one form of the invention. That acoustic detects sound indicative of snoring, and then gently provides the biofeedback vibration that will alert the user restoring tissue tone in the throat/Oropharynx, to restore airway patency and eliminate the snoring.
  • the nature of the preferred biofeedback signal does not use electrical shocks or noises that would irritate the user or others around them. Also, the preferred low profile design does not block the user’s airway or limit their ability to talk. Also, the unit is worn inside the mouth so it cannot be seen by others. This allows the user to obtain the relief they need without the embarrassment or stigma that other devices cause.
  • a unit or appliance for detecting and treating teeth clenching, or apnea or snoring may include a first housing containing a power source, such as a battery, a vibration device connected to the power source, and an electrical contact mechanism having a movable element which closes a circuit to actuate the vibration device.
  • a disk-shaped portion may be disposed around the first housing and is adapted to be emplaced in a person's oral vestibule between a cheek and adjacent teeth.
  • a resilient bite portion extends from the first housing and is adapted to be emplaced between upper and lower teeth.
  • the bite portion may have an interior area which is compressible, such as by upper and lower teeth moving toward each other.
  • a compressible element may
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) be disposed in the interior area.
  • the compressible element may cause the movable element of the electrical contact to close to actuate the vibration device in response to compression of the bite portion.
  • the compressible element may be an elongated stiff part that extends within the bite portion and has an end with a part that engages the movable element as a lever end.
  • the elongated stiff part causes the lever end to apply a force to the movable element to thereby close the circuit in response to compression, for example caused by a user clenching his/her teeth.
  • the compressible element may be a substantially u-shaped piece having opposed elongated stiff arms and a base, wherein the base is bendable outwardly when the arms are moved toward one another.
  • the base presses the movable element to thereby close the circuit in response to being bent outwardly.
  • the compressible element may be an encapsulated medium that is adapted to bulge toward the movable element to close the circuit in response to compression, for example caused by a user clenching his/her teeth.
  • the medium may be a gas, a liquid, a soft solid, small beads, or any combination thereof.
  • a dental appliance for detecting and treating teeth clenching may include a first housing adapted to fit between a person's oral vestibule and adjacent upper and lower rows of teeth, wherein the housing has an interior chamber.
  • a power source, a signal generator powered by the power source, and a signal generator powered by the power source are disposed within the chamber.
  • a resilient bite portion extends from the first housing and is adapted to be emplaced between upper and lower teeth. The bite portion also has an interior area which is compressible, as by upper and lower teeth moving toward each other, to actuate the signal generator to generate a signal.
  • a responsive device is in communication with the signal generator which responds to the signal.
  • the bite portion may not necessarily be compressible in forms of the invention intended not to treat bruxism, as for apnea and snoring. For the latter
  • the unit would include circuitry to receive a signal from some associated detection device, which signal then triggers the desired biofeedback vibratory response.
  • the device may include an electrical signal generating mechanism of its own. This could be useful for the treatment of bruxism, for instance, where the unit’s signal provides a sensory indication to the person, for example, the sensory indication may be an audible sound, a physical sensation, such as a vibration, and any combination of audible and physical sensations.
  • the responsive device is a vibrator that engages some part of the person's body, and is actuated in response to a signal indicative of a teeth clenching threshold force value.
  • the unit has a common chassis which is capable of adaptation for any or all of the conditions sought to be treated. If for more than one condition, a simple switching mechanism may be employed to activate the unit for one or more of bruxism, apnea or snoring. Alternatively, appropriate modules may be provided which are readily installed within the puck for the chosen condition, along with any associated external devices in a kit.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional side view of a device in one form of the present disclosure as shown in a user's mouth;
  • FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the device of FIG. 2A
  • FIG. 2C illustrates a sectional side view of the device of FIG. 2A
  • FIG. 2D illustrates a sectional bottom view of the device of FIG. 2A
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an external perspective view of a finished embodiment of the type illustrated inf FIGS. 1 through 2A-D, with the bite engaging portion prominent;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device of Fig. 3, taken from the cheek engaging side;
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of circuitry of one form of a device of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a device of the present disclosure as adapted for treatment of sleep apnea
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a device of the present disclosure as adapted for treatment of snoring
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic of communications from a device of the present invention with associated external devices.
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) exemplary of the devices, systems, and methods, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.
  • FIGS. 1-3A-B illustrate a device 10 adapted to provide a signal/sensory indication to a user in response to, in one aspect, the user clenching his/her jaw, or clenching or grinding his/her teeth 102, for example during bruxism.
  • a device functions as a “chassis” for use in treating apnea, snoring, and potentially other issues.
  • the device 10 may be used as a training device that provides a reminder to the user in the form of a vibration sensation, an audible sound, an olfactory sensation, a visual indication, a taste sensation, or other sensory indication in response to the physical activity of teeth clenching or bruxism.
  • the device 10 includes a disc-shaped portion 12 shaped and formed to nest between a cheek 104 and adjacent teeth 102; hence the reference to the so-called “Puck.”
  • the device 10 also includes a bite portion or tab 14 that extends and is adapted to situate between the user's teeth 102. When the user clenches his/her teeth 102 the user places pressure on the tab 14. The tab 14 serves to otherwise position and locate the device 10 in its desired place.
  • the disc-shaped portion 12 and the tab 14 or bite portion are shaped to both maintain patient comfort while anchoring the device 10 in the user's mouth at an optimal position for proper function.
  • the disc-shaped portion 12 is shaped to comfortably fit between the user's cheek 104 and teeth 102, and allows the device 10 to maintain position in the user's cheek pocket.
  • the length of the tab 14 is designed to prevent the device 10 from being pushed out from between the user's teeth 102 into the user's cheek pocket, and to limit interference with the user's tongue.
  • the tab 14 is compressible and includes a mechanism that when compressed activates electronic components in the disc portion of the device 10.
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET When activated, the electronic components (for example, including a power source, such as battery 16, and a responsive device, such as vibrator 18, deliver a vibrating sensation to the user.
  • This vibration sensation provides a signal, such as a biofeedback signal, to the user.
  • That feedback can be in the instance of teeth clenching, or detected apnea (interruption of breathing), or snoring.
  • there are anticipated associated apparati which will serve to detect conditions beyond bruxism that the device, system and method are intended to ameliorate. So, in the case of bruxism, the device allows the user to take corrective action. The cessation of clenching quickly becomes a natural and automatic response to the vibration reminder. In this way, the device 10 provides a biofeedback response useful in training the user to correct teeth clenching/bruxism.
  • the device 10 may be formed having a continuous outer wall 20.
  • such outer wall 20 is formed from a deformable material, preferably medical grade plastic common to dental applications, such that when a user clenches his/her teeth 102 the tab 14 deforms.
  • Outer wall 20 defines an inner chamber 22 which is formed within both the disc-shaped portion 12 and the tab 14.
  • a housing 24 is carried in inner chamber 22, such housing encapsulating the vibrator 18 and the battery 16.
  • the housing 24 completely surrounds the battery 16 and the vibrator 18 such that if outer wall 20 is pierced or otherwise ruptures, the battery and the vibrator will remain encapsulated and protected against fluid incursion.
  • the housing 24 is preferably formed in two parts which snap together to allow assembly of the battery 16 and vibrator 18 and associated electrical conductors prior to enclosing the housing in the outer wall 20.
  • a diaphragm or thinned section 26 is formed in housing 24 on the face of the housing which is oriented in the direction of tab 1 (i.e., inboard).
  • the thinned section 26 is shaped such that it repeatably bends or deforms in the same direction, namely in the direction of battery 16.
  • the thinned section 26 is bendable
  • the thinned section 26 is a single crease in housing 24.
  • a contact element for example, electrical conductors 28 or a signal generator, which are in electrical communication with vibrator 18, are mounted to housing 24 proximate the inner side of thinned section 26.
  • Battery 16 is positioned adjacent electrical conductor 28, such that when a user is not clenching his/her teeth, the electrical conductor is spaced from battery 16 in an open circuit position.
  • thinned section 26 bends, thereby pushing or moving the electrical conductor 28 against battery 16 which completes a circuit, allows a signal to flow to vibrator 18, and causes vibrator 18 to activate.
  • a gap is present between electrical conductor 28 and battery 16, which gap is bridged by movement of thinned section 26 which is facilitated by deformation of tab 14.
  • a receiver in its form for treating apnea or snoring, a receiver will take the place of the signal generator, or be in addition to the signal generator. That receiver wirelessly interconnects with an external appliance/apparatus, which can send a signal to the receiver to then actuate the vibrator 18.
  • Chassis/device/puck 10 uses a tab 14 that has a generally elongate cross-section, such as an ovalshaped cross-section. This elongate shape helps to orient biofeedback device 10 between the teeth, wherein the device 10 will tend to naturally rotate such that the longer axis of the tab 14 will orient generally parallel with the user's teeth.
  • Disc-shaped portion 12 is formed having an aperture 34 (FIG. 2A, 2B) passing therethrough, such that aperture 34 forms a hole through the outer flange portion of biofeedback device 10. Aperture 34 does not provide access to internal chamber 22, since this would allow saliva and other fluids to potentially spoil the
  • aperture 34 allows air to pass through biofeedback device 10 in the case where biofeedback device 10 becomes lodged in the user's airway. In this way, aperture 34 is a safety feature which prevents suffocation.
  • a pair of elongate arms 30 extend from housing 24, wherein the arms are spaced on either side of thinned section 26. Arms 30 extend within internal chamber 22 in tab 14. Arms 30 are positioned parallel one another. Arms 30 are wider than they are thick, such that a space is formed between the arms when tab 14 is not clenched. When tab 14 is clenched, arms 30 are forced toward each other which causes thinned section 26 to deform and to push electrical conductor 28 against battery 16. The arms 30 are preferably oriented parallel with the longer axis of tab 14, such that a user's bite motion will cause the arms 30 to move toward each other, rather than biting on the edges of the arms.
  • the device 10 uses a lever-type mechanism, which has one or more elongated elements, arms 30, in the bite area that, when moved toward the longitudinal axis of the bite area, cause a movement of the contact element, electrical conductor 28, so as to close a circuit and thereby generate a signal.
  • a signal can be an electrical current, to actuate the vibrator 18, for example.
  • elongate members 32 or elongate arms 30 defines an actuating member.
  • Actuating member is such that, when a user bites tab 14, the actuating
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) member is actuated in a way that completes a circuit and activates vibrator 18.
  • Housing 24 is optional; the electrical components may be placed directly within inner chamber 22 and actuated directly by the actuating member.
  • the devices 10 described above involves a single integrated unit which is emplaced in a person's cheek. All of the electronics, power source and indicator device for providing an impulse to the user of teeth clenching (e.g., a vibrator), are contained in that integrated unit.
  • the embodiments are not limited to an integrated device 10 with all operational elements located in a person's cheek.
  • the clenching action, or some other action may result in a signal transmitted, such a through Bluetooth, infrared or radio frequency communication, from the action of the bite area to a remote station or device, such as a computer 50, a mobile phone or handheld device 52, or a smart watch 54, or a web engaged apparatus such as a voice controlled interactive personal assistant 56 (e.g., an Alexa apparatus), among other things.
  • the signals can be generated by the device 10 for recording, use or analysis by such external apparati, as well as for sending signals to the device 10, which then provides some stimulus to the person.
  • the stimulus could be a visual stimulus, audible sound or alarm, for example, or it could be another physical stimulus, such as a vibration through some mechanism engaging or attached to a person (e.g., the smart watch 54), but which is remote from the general housing of the device 10.
  • the device 10 may include circuitry adapted to receive and transmit data and other information to the remote station or external apparatus.
  • the device 10 may include a controller 62 and a memory 58 coupled to the controller 56.
  • the device 10 also includes interface circuitry 60 which may include, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) port, Firewire port, infrared data transmitter, radio frequency data
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) transmitter, Bluetooth, or other communication technique.
  • the interface 60 allows the device 10 to communicate with other external appliances such as, those illustrated in FIG. 8.
  • the interface 60 may also be used to power or charge the power source or battery 16 of the device 10 in a wireless fashion.
  • the interface 60 and memory 58 may be coupled to the controller 62 by one or more internal signal paths.
  • the controller 56 may be a processor, a control circuit, etc., and may facilitate communication between various components of the device 10 and control operation of various electrical components of the device 10.
  • the memory 58 can store data or computer programs for use with the device 10.
  • the memory 58 may be used to store instructions for the vibrator 18.
  • the biofeedback may be proportional, in some respect, to the amount of teeth-clenching that is occurring (i.e., the force being applied to the bite portion, tab 14). Accordingly, as the force applied by the closing teeth increases, the stimulus (i.e., vibration by the vibrator 18) applied to the user likewise increases.
  • controls can be provided to allow the user to adjust how the system will respond. These could be amplitude adjustments as indicated in the preceding paragraph, whereby the impulse to the user varies with clenching force.
  • the device 10 may have one or more settings relating to duration, amplitude, etc. of the vibration.
  • the device 10 may use usage input to modify the input into a variety of outputs based on the settings.
  • the setting could be based on clinical data, guess and check, patient demographics, etc. As an example, one bite for 1 second could trigger 2 seconds of vibratory output.
  • the vibration may have a sinusoidal decay to ease the user back to sleep.
  • These settings may be programmed by the user via the computing device(s) illustrated in FIG. 8, or even based on activating the vibrator in a certain sequence to enter a ‘setup’ mode. The device 10 can then emit a vibration to the
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) user to communicate that it has or has not received the inputs when in ‘setup’ mode.
  • the memory 58 can also store data relating to a use of the device 10.
  • the memory 58 may record duration of teeth clenching, pressure/force of teeth clenching, time, intensity, etc., to create a log or history of the teeth clenching of the user. This data may then be uploaded or transmitted to one or more of the computing devices illustrated in FIG. 8.
  • the memory 58 can include a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, such as a hard drive, DVD, CD, flash drive, volatile or non-volatile memory, RAM, or any other type of data storage, for example.
  • the invention encompasses more than just the treatment of bruxism.
  • FIG. 6 an embodiment using the device/chassis 10 is adapted for the treatment of sleep apnea.
  • one form of the invention uses a blood or pulse oximeter 70, which is intended to be applied to a user in standard fashion. It is known that in instances of prolonged breath stoppage, the blood oxygen level drops. If that level falls below a threshold, this can be an indication of an apnea episode. The oximeter thus functions as a trigger to reverse the apneic episode, that is, startle the sleeper, as through actuation of the vibrator 18 of the device 10, and reinstitute breathing.
  • the oximeter 70 would advantageously be connected to its own or an interconnected signal generator.
  • the signal generated by the oximeter 70 is then transmitted to the device 10, for action.
  • Device 10 therefore has a receiver 72 for the signal therein; this receiver is schematically illustrated as an optional feature of the block diagram FIG. 5.
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26)
  • pulse rate a parameter indicative of apnea
  • respiratory rate a parameter indicative of apnea
  • thresholds for instituting action to break the episode.
  • the disclosure herein can be extended to deal with issues such as suffocation, and even Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
  • the device 10 as a chassis may remain as generally described in its form for the treatment of bruxism. However, if used only for the treatment of some other issue, such as apnea or snoring, the tab 14 need not be adapted for the detection and response to teeth clenching. A modified tab 14’ therefore is merely for positioning.
  • FIG. 7 what is schematically depicted is an adaptation for use in treating snoring.
  • an Alexa-like apparatus 56 is located near or in the vicinity of the user, basically within a distance so as to hear the user.
  • Apparatus 56 is programmed to detect the sounds S of an individual snoring, which may be a sonic or tonal level indicative of that person engaging in snoring. The apparatus 56 then sends a signal triggering the device 10 to provide a vibratory “nudge,” and truncate the snoring episode.
  • the tab 14 need not have contents adapted for teeth clenching, as its function here is also for location primarily.
  • the device 10 can be adapted to contain all of the foregoing adaptations for bruxism, apnea and snoring, or just one or more of the foregoing.
  • the chassis may be adapted to receive modules that contain the elements for treatment of a specific issue. This could take the form of a kit, where multiple different treatment modules can be swapped in and out, depending upon the need. The kit could therefore include the external peripheral apparati required.
  • the vibrator may be a piezoelectric device, a linear actuator, etc.
  • the trigger mechanism for causing the vibrator to activate may be a pressure sensitive switch or a contact switch.

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Abstract

Des systèmes, des appareils et des procédés pour aider un utilisateur à cesser ou au moins à améliorer le sommeil ou le bruxisme éveillé, ou l'apnée, ou le ronflement. L'unité est entièrement fermée à toute entrée de fluide et peut être placée entre les dents d'un utilisateur et la joue adjacente, par exemple pendant que l'utilisateur est endormi ou éveillé. Une bride s'étend à partir d'un côté latéral de l'unité, de façon à s'ajuster entre les dents supérieures et inférieures des utilisateurs et positionner l'unité en place. L'unité comprend un circuit qui, une fois bouclé, par exemple lorsque l'utilisateur serre les dents, provoque l'activation d'un mécanisme de légère vibration et provoque une sensation qui signale à l'utilisateur d'arrêter de serrer les dents. La vibration est de préférence telle que, si l'utilisateur dort, l'utilisateur n'est pas complètement réveillé mais subit un léger sursaut pour interrompre toute condition ayant déclenché l'unité.
PCT/US2023/018294 2022-04-12 2023-04-12 Systèmes, appareils et procédés de traitement de bruxisme, d'apnée et de troubles du sommeil Ceased WO2023200845A1 (fr)

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US20160095740A1 (en) * 2014-10-01 2016-04-07 Aris Mardirossian Methods and devices for monitoring bruxism and/or sleep apnea and alleviating associated conditions
WO2020122394A1 (fr) * 2018-12-13 2020-06-18 주식회사 텐마인즈 Système de détection de force externe et procédé de pilotage de système de détection de force externe
US10687974B2 (en) * 2012-11-06 2020-06-23 Sjs Group, Llc Devices for treating bruxism
US20200229966A1 (en) * 2017-02-24 2020-07-23 Bianca Berk Therapeutic device for intraoral use and method for operating such a therapeutic device
US20200345536A1 (en) * 2017-12-22 2020-11-05 Aesyra Sa Devices and method for bruxism management

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11007076B1 (en) * 2017-06-11 2021-05-18 Sanaz Daneshfar Hamrah Bruxism mouth guard device and system including the same
US11484434B2 (en) * 2019-11-15 2022-11-01 Raghavendra Vitthalrao GHUGE Dynamic mandibular and lingual repositioning devices, controller station, and methods of treating and/or diagnosing medical disorders
US20210330487A1 (en) * 2020-04-27 2021-10-28 Nazar Kalivoshko Oral device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10687974B2 (en) * 2012-11-06 2020-06-23 Sjs Group, Llc Devices for treating bruxism
US20160095740A1 (en) * 2014-10-01 2016-04-07 Aris Mardirossian Methods and devices for monitoring bruxism and/or sleep apnea and alleviating associated conditions
US20200229966A1 (en) * 2017-02-24 2020-07-23 Bianca Berk Therapeutic device for intraoral use and method for operating such a therapeutic device
US20200345536A1 (en) * 2017-12-22 2020-11-05 Aesyra Sa Devices and method for bruxism management
WO2020122394A1 (fr) * 2018-12-13 2020-06-18 주식회사 텐마인즈 Système de détection de force externe et procédé de pilotage de système de détection de force externe

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